A father and son who worked at a smoke shop face federal drug charges amid an ongoing investigation into whether kratom-related products were linked to the deaths of two University of Mississippi students.
Yahya Mohamed Mosleh, 51, and his son, Islam Yahya Mosleh, 18, appeared in federal court on Oct. 1 on charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Mississippi. Prosecutors allege that the charges are tied to an investigation into the death of one of two Ole Miss students found dead on Sept. 21.
The arrests stem from a Sept. 24 raid at Puffs Vape, Tobacco and Beer Store in Oxford, Mississippi, after agents with the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics
Unit conducted a "controlled purchase" of a product marketed as SMAX, which investigators believe contained kratom-related substances. Authorities said they found more than 500 units of synthetic kratom products, THC cartridges, gummies, and "other suspected narcotics."
The investigation began after Robert Strang, 20, of Atlanta, and Aidan Hamilton, 18, of Englewood, Colorado, were found dead in separate locations in Oxford. Hamilton was found in a campus residence hall, while Strang was found at an off-campus residence. Investigators said packaging associated with kratom-related products was recovered at both scenes.
Both deaths appeared consistent with drug overdoses, though authorities continue to await autopsy and toxicology results. Authorities have said they have not determined whether kratom or any other substance contributed to either death.
"Today's federal court proceedings represent another step in an investigation that remains active and ongoing," the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit said in an Oct. 1 statement, adding that investigators continue to review evidence and that additional charges could be forthcoming.
Kratom-related products linked to Mississippi stores
According to a criminal affidavit filed on Sept. 25, investigators linked products found at the scenes of both deaths to purchases made at two stores near the Ole Miss campus: Puffs Vape, Tobacco and Beer Store and Express Mart #7 in nearby Yalobusha County.
Hamilton and Strang died on Sept. 21 after authorities received two separate phone calls reporting that each student was unresponsive and had possibly overdosed, the affidavit states.
Investigators found pill packaging labeled "SMAX, Pseudo-DHM" at both locations, according to the affidavit. The affidavit described the products as kratom-like substances sold in gas stations and tobacco shops for their "narcotic-like effects."
Investigators reviewed the students' bank records and identified purchases of products similar to those recovered at the scenes, the affidavit states. Records showed Strang purchased pills at Express Mart #7, while Hamilton made multiple purchases at Puffs Vape, Tobacco and Beer Store, including one the day before he was found dead.
Undercover purchase led investigators to Oxford smoke shop
According to the affidavit, investigators purchased products similar to those recovered at the scene from Express Mart #7 and submitted them for laboratory testing, while a confidential informant later purchased "kratom-based pills" from Puffs Vape, Tobacco and Beer Store.
The affidavit states that the informant entered the Oxford store on Sept. 24 wearing audio and video recording equipment and asked Yahya Mosleh whether the store sold "7 O Kratom-based pills." Yahya Mosleh allegedly responded that it did and retrieved a package from a drawer beneath the register.
"The clerk told the informant to be careful taking the pills, because people were dying from them," according to the affidavit.
Preliminary forensic testing indicated that some of the seized pills contained forms of kratom, according to the affidavit.
Ole Miss students' deaths remain under investigation
Despite the arrests and charges, authorities have noted that the causes of the students' deaths have not been determined.
Court documents state that Hamilton's roommate told investigators Hamilton frequently used marijuana but was unaware of any "hard drug" use. The roommate said Hamilton often used "marijuana from pens and pipes" and had developed a "terrible cough," according to court documents.
At the off-campus residence where Strang was found, investigators discovered about 20 to 30 nitrous oxide canisters, according to the affidavit. Strang's roommates told authorities he regularly used "whippets," an inhalant nitrous oxide, and sometimes went through multiple canisters each week, the affidavit states.
In a Sept. 30 statement, the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit said investigators have not concluded that kratom or any specific substance caused either death and will wait for autopsy and toxicology findings before concluding.
The agency said investigators are continuing to examine evidence recovered from the death scenes and the retail investigation, including "determining the actual chemical composition of products, identifying possible sources of distribution and establishing whether any connection exists between the investigations."
What is kratom?
Kratom is an herbal substance derived from the leaves of a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, it can produce stimulant-like effects at lower doses and opioid-like effects at higher doses.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved kratom for medical use.
Kratom is banned in both the City of Oxford and Lafayette County. Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill has warned residents about the potential dangers of kratom and related products as authorities continue investigating the student deaths.
Contributing: Anthony Thompson, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Father, son charged amid investigation into Ole Miss student deaths
